2.SemiFinal2018

The song “Tu Canción” - “Your Song” is a real tearjerker about the first big love. The phenomenon is that they are not only holding hand on stage, they embrace each other and look each other deep in the eyes, only like lovers do. Of course it looks very kitschy, even if they are cute. Combined with this simple and old-fashioned melody it appears almost unreal that the Spanish people have chosen this entry.

Introduction

Participant(s): Alfred & Amaia

Song: "Tu canción"

Writer(s): Raul Gomez Garcia, Sylvia Ruth Santoro Lopez

Composer(s): Raul Gomez Garcia, Sylvia Ruth Santoro Lopez

After last year’s accusation that the Spanish broadcaster TVE has made an unfair choice, everything seemed to be different in this year Operción Triunfo. The Spanish public has been involved even more in the voting procedure with a high weighting. With 46% of the votes the cute couple Alfred & Amaia have captured the hearts by a storm. For the young singers it’s going to be the biggest event to represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest. It seems that these two guys not only singing together, they are a real couple. They have become a social phenomenon in Spain due to their unique singing style in the TV show Operación Triunfo, which is a song contest but also a kind of reality show.

Amaia was born in Pamplona in 1999, grew up in a family of musicians. At an early stage she learned to read notes and started to play the piano. She participated in several talent shows for kids and is currently studying music.

Alfred’s birthplace is El Prat de Llobregat, close to Barcelona in 1997. In the age of seven he already played the trombone and teached himself the guitar, drums and keyboard. Right now he is also studying jazz and modern music at the University of Barcelona. He already released three albums and also participated in several casting shows.

The song “Tu Canción” - “Your Song” is a real tearjerker about the first big love. The phenomenon is that they are not only holding hand on stage, they embrace each other and look each other deep in the eyes, only like lovers do. Of course it looks very kitschy, even if they are cute. Combined with this simple and old-fashioned melody it appears almost unreal that the Spanish people have chosen this entry. This song is neither radio friendly nor a serious track with a high quality approach. Compared to the songs Spain did send in the past is a big step back in regards of quality and inventiveness. It will of course appeal to a certain group of people, but it will definitely attract the majority of the 200 million spectators.

History

Debut: 1961

Participations: 58

Victories: 2

Finals: 58

Top 10: 28

Chances for Top 10: 48%

Spain joined the Eurovision family in 1961 with the debut song “Estando Contigo” by Conchita Bautista, which reached the 9th place in Cannes. From that time Spain has participated on a regular basis, so it will be the 58th entry this year in Lisbon.

Like France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, Spain belongs the Big 5 countries. That means these countries are directly qualified for the Grand Final and they don’t have pass the Semi Finals. The reason for this is the financial support to the EBU. The host country Portugal will also have the right to directly start in the Grand Final.

The most successful period for Spain was in the late 60’s and early 70’s when there were two victories and some second places. The chance to reach the Top10 is 48%, as in the history Spain reached the Top10 for 28 times, out of 57 participations. Even if the Big 5 countries did not shape up that well in former years, Spain could at least make the 10th place for three times since 2004: Ramón with “Para Llenarme De Ti” in 2004, Pastora Soler with “Quédate Conmigo” in 2012 and Ruth Lorenzo with “Dancing In The Rain” in Copenhagen 2014. There were many great songs with outrageous quality both in songs and singes.

In the long history of Spanish entries there are a lot of gems. Most of the songs were sung in Spanish, while English is getting more and more used so as this year. But it’s a pity that such a country like Spain, which is often bringing high quality entries into the festival, does not win again. It’s 48 years now, since the last Spanish victory. But other countries like Austria or Portugal could also be taken as a proof that everything is possible.

About me: As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!